Rooted in Progress & Innovation
Weil Foot & Ankle Institute was founded in 1965 by Dr. Lowell Weil Sr., who was inspired to progress Foot & Ankle Care into the future through innovation. As one of the first Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), Dr. Weil Sr. trained around the world, seeking out ideas, both within podiatry, but also outside of that realm, to dream of new ways to make podiatric care better. A few of those improvements included:
- Creating the Scarf Bunionectomy, a new way to do the previously painful bunion procedure – the new procedure is still used today.
- Building an orthotics factory on-site in the Des Plaines location to improve the patient solutions available.
- Bringing in an extremity MRI to make the experience more comfortable and cheaper than previous alternatives.
- Taking care of beloved Chicago Sports teams, including the Chicago Bears and Chicago White Sox, as the team Podiatrist.
Today, WFAI provides podiatric foot care for any foot & ankle condition, through our experienced team of doctors, many of whom are leaders in specialized care.
An Elevated Patient Experience
Today, WFAI’s commitment to you, our patient, is we will always strive to bring you the best patient experience and state-of-the art Foot & Ankle Care, by investing in innovation, technology and our talent.
It is one of the reasons we started one of the first Fellowship programs in Podiatry. And we will continue to challenge ourselves to understand how to do Foot & Ankle care better – always.
Our Values
We are committed to improving the quality of life in a patient-focused environment by providing the most innovative and knowledgeable Foot and Ankle care. Our vision is to establish Weil Foot & Ankle Institute as the world’s premier and most trusted leader in the delivery of Foot and Ankle healthcare through innovation, research, and patient experience.
Integrity
Tradition
Tradition
Innovation
Innovation
Caring
Caring
Trust
Trust
Excellence
Excellence
About Dr. Weil Sr.
Founding Partner and CEO Emeritus
Dr. Lowell Weil Sr. is the founder of the Weil Foot & Ankle Institute. While he retired from clinical medicine in 2018, he is the father to the current CEO, Dr. Lowell Weil Jr. He began practicing podiatry in 1965 and has served as the podiatrist for the Chicago Bears and the Chicago White Sox. His philosophy is to “treat people, not feet.” This philosophy drives the caring and compassionate practice of the podiatrists at WFAI to this day.
About Dr. Lowell Weil Jr.
Executive Chairman of Balance Health
Dr. Lowell Weil Jr. is CEO of Weil Foot & Ankle Institute and the Executive Chairman of Balance Health, WFAI’s parent company. He is also the son of its founder, Dr. Lowell Weil Sr. With his father as a role model, Dr. Weil Jr. always wanted to be a podiatrist. He particularly enjoys forming long lasting relationships with his patients and developing innovative approaches to foot and ankle care. Outside of work, Dr. Weil Jr. enjoys spending time with his wife and children. They especially love cooking together and traveling the world.
More Than a Medical Practice
“When you run a business well, you’re able to take care of the patient better.” – Dr. Lowell Weil Jr.
In 1996, after completing his residency and Fellowship, Dr. Lowell Weil Jr. joined forces with Dr. Anthony Borelli, Dr. Wendy Benton-Weil and Dr. Weil, Sr. and opened the practice we know today. Dr. Weil Jr. pursued an Executive MBA from 1998-2002 and with his added experience, they worked to bring business techniques to the practice to improve upon their offering through organizational excellence, including strategic processes, smart hiring practices and tapping into efficiencies of scale.
Pioneering Through Ideation and Inspiration
Together, Drs. Weil Jr., Borelli, Benton-Weil, and Weil Sr. pioneered two life-changing surgeries that offered patients an easier surgery, as well as an easier recovery. The first was the Scarf Bunionectomy, which re-invented the way painful bunions are treated, and improved the recovery after surgery. The second was the Weil Osteotomy, which relieved pain in the ball of the foot, using technologies and procedures previously only used in shoulder replacements.
NEW HEADQUARTERS FOR A NEW DECADE
In the fall of 2019, WFAI moved into their new headquarters – a spacious, modern, and well-equipped office, located in Mount Prospect, IL. Along with providing a more comfortable patient experience, WFAI added both a pathology lab and a SWIFT microwave on-site for an even-better patient experience.
A promise from Dr. Weil and WFAI – “We will never give up on the pursuit of excellence, because it is what allows us to provide a better patient experience.”
